After the NBA draft, it was the annual NBA player trade period, and trade rumors were flying. Recently, the Clippers owner pulled George around the transfer market, but found that there was no suitable trade partner, knowing that George was originally bought by the Clippers (Alexander, Gallinari, four unprotected first-round picks, one lotto-protected first-round pick and two draft swaps).
Previously, according to US media reports, the Clippers had revealed to the whole league that they wanted to trade George, but the Knicks and Blazers decided to withdraw after assessing George's value.
Recently, two reporters from the Los Angeles Times Andrew Greif and Broderick Turner jointly reported that the Clippers have contacted the Lakers, and the two sides have preliminary discussions on a trade for George, and the Clippers hope to get Austin Reeves, Malik Beasley and a 2029 first-round pick.
From the Lakers' perspective, George does have a lot of temptation for them, which means James has the opportunity to put together a Big Three roster. This season, George was named to the All-Star Team by averaging 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game. His height, athleticism and defensive instinct make him a strong outside defender. Adding him to a roster that already has elite defenders like Anthony Davis would significantly enhance the Lakers' defensive capabilities and provide them with blockade capabilities against opposing flanks.
There is no doubt that Paul George's offensive approach will provide the Lakers with more scoring options. His ability to create shooting opportunities, shoot from long distances (37.1% three-point shooting), and attack the basket will take some of the offensive burden off James and Davis. In addition, George's presence will enhance the overall diversity of the Lakers' offense, make the roster more flexible, and increase scoring options in key moments.
But the premise of these good fantasies is that George can stay healthy and have a consistent attendance, the Clippers are fed up with injuries in key moments, and the Lakers can't afford core players not being able to play. To put it bluntly, the Lakers are still building a team around James, for James at this age, the attendance rate of teammates should be ranked first, originally thick eyebrows have a little glass attribute, and then a George who has averaged 40+ appearances in the past 3 seasons, I'm afraid that the team will be chaotic before entering the playoffs.
Just yesterday, according to Stein, the Lakers have rejected an offer from the Clippers, and their focus this summer is to renew Reeves. The Lakers will reportedly match any offer about Reeves, even if there are teams offering nearly $100 million over four years.
Goodbye George, James' Big Three dreams shattered. The Lakers gamble $100 million, and this time they won't let Reeves slip away for nothing like Caruso.